Drive for yearly medicals for elderly behind wheel

DRIVERS over the age of 75 will have to undergo annual medical tests to retain their right to be behind the wheel, in a State Government initiative to make our roads safer.

From next year, medical tests will last only one year instead of five.

One Warwick motorist has welcomed the move, after two close calls with one elderly driver.

The woman said she was almost t-boned by the older woman - once outside Warwick East State School and the other just days ago outside West State School.

She said the fact the near-misses were outside schools made it even more concerning.

"This woman is a menace but I am more concerned about the safety of the kids - she could have taken them down at the crossing," she said.

Another Warwick resident, Colette Williamson, agreed and said she often saw near-misses with elderly drivers at the wheel.

"Watch them cross Wood and Dragon Sts to go to the Drs - 'We are on a mission to get to the Drs, so don't worry about that semi coming down the road, or the bus, or any other car, go straight for the Drs'," she said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said an annual tick of approval from a doctor would enable older drivers to monitor their health more regularly.

Darling Downs and South West Queensland Medicare Local GP Dr Debra Carroll said doctors would test the senior drivers for numerous things.

"As a GP, I would look at the following: vision, general co-ordination, family feedback, any medication they are taking, their general mental state eg, memory and other risk factors such as stroke," he said.